As the demand for cleaner labels continues to grow, many food manufacturers are looking more closely at the ingredients in their products. With this in mind, it may be time to look at the type of oil you are using and think about the following questions:
Is now the time to switch to a non-GMO oil?
With greater consumer interest in non-GMO ingredients, you may want to consider USA sunflower oil. It is not only a non-GMO oil, but it is also Kosher and Halal certified, making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of products formulations.
Do you need an oil that has a long shelf life?
If you are interested in stretching the shelf life of your product, research has proven that sunflower oil has a longer shelf life than many other oils. Since sunflower oil is high in monounsaturated fat and contains only a trace of Omega 3 polyunsaturated fat, it is more stable and therefore does not cause off-flavors. Both mid oleic and high oleic sunflower oil will provide longer shelf life to snack foods, sauces, entrees, protein bars, vegan foods and bakery products.
Are you looking for an oil that has a high heat point and a long fry life?
Fatty acid composition of oil has an impact on frying stability and also affects the length of time oil will last in a fryer. Sunflower oil is a superior fry oil since it has only a trace of linolenic fatty acid and has a high oleic content. Its composition gives it a longer fry life and a high smoke point - making it ideal for creating deep-fried or par-fried foods.
Would you like an oil with health benefits?
Sunflower oil is trans fat free and is an excellent source of Vitamin E. It is high in monounsaturated fats and research shows that sunflower oil is good for heart health. Sunflower oil can also be used as a partial substitute for saturated fat in some food formulations including crackers, cookies and pork sausages. The end result is often a healthier product with the same taste and texture.
Do you want an oil that is readily available and will help differentiate your products from your competitors?
In the year ahead, there will be a consistent supply of both mid oleic and high oleic sunflower oil refined in the USA. Sunflower oil has a neutral taste and as a result it allows the true taste of your products come through. Consumers have a very positive perception of sunflower oil. In fact, a 2015 study1 conducted by the International Food Information Council Foundation found that 56 percent of Americans rated sunflower oil as either “extremely healthful” or “somewhat healthful,” which is up from 49 percent in 2009.
If you are curious how sunflower oil will perform in your product formulations, contact a sunflower oil supplier by clicking here or contact the National Sunflower Association at: 701-328-5100
1. The IFIC Food & Health Survey was conducted online by Greenwald & Associates of Washington, D.C., from March 13 to March 26, 2015, with 1,007 Americans ages 18-80, and is weighted to represent the demographics of the United States.
